Douglas J. Shoemaker, Keith B. Letourneau, and Holli B. Packer ●
Navigating the complexities of maritime litigation presents unique challenges distinct from other areas of law. The cases are often steeped in technical detail, involving complex vessel operations, intricate navigation principles, and highly specialized equipment. For judges and juries—many of whom may have little or no maritime experience—grasping the nuances of such cases can be a daunting task. This is where demonstrative aids help to transform dense, technical evidence into clear, compelling presentations that illuminate the facts and arguments at the heart of a dispute. Drawing on recent developments in the Federal Rules of Evidence and illustrative case law, demonstrative aids can be the difference between confusion and clarity, disengagement and persuasion, and, ultimately, between losing and winning a case.
Legal Framework: Federal Rules of Evidence and Demonstrative Aids
The use of demonstrative aids is governed by the Federal Rules of Evidence (“FRE”), local court rules, and case law. Two rules are particularly central: FRE 107 and FRE 1006.
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